Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool

Two sides attempting to win produced an enthralling contest, even if all the goals came in the first half along with most of the controversy. Brendan Rodgers was so annoyed at Liverpool having a valid goal disallowed he appeared to question Lee Mason’s integrity in wondering why a Greater Manchester (Bolton) referee had been appointed to the match. Liverpool’s manager can expect to be charged by the Football Association for his comments.

Whatever the punishment coming Rodgers’ way should not distract from Liverpool’s performance. Even though they lost, they are clearly on a long-term upward trajectory under the fearless approach of Rodgers. Suárez was his usual fleet-of-foot menace, Sterling’s pace constantly worried City’s defence while Philippe Coutinho took his goal well.

This was not the catastrophe for Liverpool that their November defeat at Arsenal had been. Unlike at the Emirates, they matched their opponents toe to toe, especially during those breathless periods when the action swung end to end. However, their defeats to title rivals have exposed a lack of comparative individual quality, most obviously in defence and the centre of midfield. Chelsea on Sunday is a further acid test of credentials. A loss there combined with an Everton win would drop Liverpool from the top four.